This IJburg Villa designed by Marc Prosman is the latest home on an artificial island in The Netherlands

Restricted by very particular building codes for the artificial island project just outside of Amsterdam, the designer claims that most of the houses are fairly uniform. Still, their IJburg villa has a distinctive appearance. The upper level boasts a recessed balcony that spans the entire width of the building while vertical pine cladding provides protection against solar gain and – used as shutters over the windows as well – controls daylighting as well.

Combined with extensive glazing, a long frosted glass wall on the lower level, which is an impressive bookcase on the inside, helps to bring diffused lighting into the living area without compromising privacy. And a concrete wall on the outside of the kitchen marks the entry way to the charming timber-clad home, while a short overhang provides shading for the porch. Check out another timber clad home with a spiral staircase that is also a part of this residential complex.